Native Americans in NC
It is important to remember that the first Americans were in North Carolina long before Europeans. Students should learn about true relations between Native Americans and European settlers. This includes violence and disease.
Korean War
The Korean War was the beginning of guerilla warfare. It is largely skimmed over in school and deserves more attention.
Roaring Twenties
This would be a very interesting topic for students. Flappers, jazz, and prohibition marked the decade. Gangsters, such as John Dillinger and Babyface Nelson are important figures of the era.
European Exploration
This topic includes funding for exploration, the men who led the voyages, and what they were searching for. The Lost Colony and its demise should also be discussed.
Exploration of the West
Included in this topic is the Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Trail, and Gold Rush. Other interesting topics are covered wagons, survival rate on the trail, and Pony Express.
Physical Geography
Students should learn about the different regions of NC and their defining characteristics. They should also know how natural geography shaped settlement
Industrial Revolution
This is basically technology from the mid 1700’s to mid 1800’s. It includes factory conditions and child labor, railroad lines, and steam power.
Indian Removal Act
Students should learn about the Trail of Tears and how it affected Native Americans throughout the country. Students
should also learn about different tribes, especially the Cherokees and their reservation in NC.
Revolutionary War
This topic should discuss European settler’s desire for independence. The Boston Tea Party and other events leading up to the war are included.
Slavery
It is important for students to know the truth about slavery in the United States. This includes the slave trade and passage over, slave treatment, and how slavery has affected race relations today.
The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Students should learn about the writing and revision process as well as the signers. They should understand the significance of the amendments and how their lives might be different without them.
Vietnam
Students should understand anti-war sentiments, guerilla warfare, and the use of chemicals, such as napalm. Army Corps Nurses and women’s roles during the war are important.
Great Depression
This topic includes the stock market crash and banking crisis. This could also be linked to an understanding of today’s recession and how they are similar and different.
The Civil War
There is so much to be covered in this topic. The Battle of Bentonville, notable leaders, and Reconstruction are just several important details.
Women’s Rights
This topic should also include notable women, such as Betsy Ross, Margaret Sanger, and Dolley Madison. The right to vote should be the main focus. Rosie the Riveter should be discussed.
Space race
Students should not only explore the U.S. space mission, but also the competition between the U.S. and Russia. Notable topics are Neil Armstrong and Sputnik.
Counterculture of the 60’s
The 1960’s brought about lots of changes. There was a push against the mainstream that included sit ins, race riots, free love, and the assassination of JFK.
Civil Rights Movement
Similar to the Counterculture movement, civil rights were challenged in the 50’s and 60’s. Included in this topic is the Little Rock 9, KKK, Brown v. Board, and MLK.
Terrorism
This topic includes 9/11, Osama bin Laden, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Terrorism in other countries could also be explored.
Immigration
Students should understand the significance of Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and the idea of the American Dream. Immigration should be explored not only in the past tense, but also immigration issues currently taking place in the U.S.
Farming
Students should know the importance of farming in North Carolina. This includes sharecropping, cash crops, and meat production.
WWI
This topic includes Pearl Harbor and the atomic bomb. Students should know the meaning of “triple entende” and trench warfare.
WWII
Students should understand the conflicts between the Axis and Allies, and U.S. involvement. Adolf Hitler and the holocaust are included in this topic.
New Deal
This topic explores the programs created by FDR to stimulate the post-depression economy. Students should have an understanding of why these programs were created, what they did, and whether similar programs would be useful during the current recession.
Antebellum south
Students should have a picture of the pre-Civil War southern states. This was a time period of peacefulness and comfort for white southerners.
Great Recession
Students should understand the current recession and economic state. This includes unemployment rate, bank loans, and the burst of the housing market bubble.
Cold War
This topic includes fear of Communism, McCarthyism, and the Red Scare. Students should learn about bomb shelters, formation of NATO, and Truman Doctrine.
Cuban Missile Crisis
This was a confrontation between Russia, Cuba, and the U.S. over the threat of nuclear weapons. Bay of Pigs and Monroe Doctrine should also be discussed.
Watergate
This scandal involved a break in at the DNC headquarters. The action revolved around Richard Nixon, who was later resigned over pressure regarding his role.
Revolution in the Middle East
This includes the current situation in Syria and protesters (Time Magazine’s Person of the Year). Arab Spring, Occupy Movement, and the Tea Party are all examples. The role of technology should be discussed and how it moved people and began revolutions.
Western N.C. Folk Life
An example of this would be the Foxfire books that tell about the way of life in backcountry N.C. The forest service and Mount Mitchell could also be discussed.
Mental Health Reform
This revolves around Dorothea Dix. Students should explore the significance of closing the hospital she founded.
Pirates
N.C. pirates are more than just legend. Students should explore the lives of pirates, what goods they were in search of, and notable individuals, such as Blackbeard.
Government
This is such a broad topic, but should include the House of Representatives, Congress, President, and how they share power. Also included is the legislative process and judicial system.
War of 1812
Conflict fought between the U.S. and British Empire due to trade restrictions and impressment. Students should also understand the course of the war and effects from it.
Declaration of Independence
Students should understand the process in which Americans gained independence and those who composed and signed the document. The men who signed should also be explored in order for students to understand their importance in society.
Checks and Balances
This describes the separation of powers in our government. Students should understand the roles of each of the three branches – legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Holocaust
This topic intertwines with WWII. Hitler wanted to create an Aryan race that led to the extermination of countless Jews and disabled individuals.
The Manhattan Project
Students should understand the scientific advancements that made the creation of the bomb possible. Students should also understand the significance and power that it gave the U.S.
BP Oil Spill
Students should understand the environmental and economic effects of the disaster. Included in this are natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
1. Sir Walter Raleigh
2. Harriet Tubman
3. Virginia Dare
4. Joyce Kilmer
5. Beverly Perdue
6. Orville and Wilbur Wright
7. Elizabeth Edwards
8. Mohandas Gandhi
9. Edward B. Dudley
10. Edward R Murrow
My ideas came from several sources. First, my memories from my own N.C. history classes, both in middle school and with Dr. Mobley at N.C. State. Second, I put myself in the position of an 8th grader and thought about what historical events I would like to know more about. And lastly, I reflected on important events that I believe have shaped our country into what it is today.
The main themes connecting my topics are conflicts, technological advancements, and events that have shaped groups of people.
For me, I enjoyed making this list and thinking on what I’ll be able to teach next year. I have always enjoyed history and social studies, and that probably affected my process and allowed me to dig deeper and explore more important events and topics.
It is important to remember that the first Americans were in North Carolina long before Europeans. Students should learn about true relations between Native Americans and European settlers. This includes violence and disease.
Korean War
The Korean War was the beginning of guerilla warfare. It is largely skimmed over in school and deserves more attention.
Roaring Twenties
This would be a very interesting topic for students. Flappers, jazz, and prohibition marked the decade. Gangsters, such as John Dillinger and Babyface Nelson are important figures of the era.
European Exploration
This topic includes funding for exploration, the men who led the voyages, and what they were searching for. The Lost Colony and its demise should also be discussed.
Exploration of the West
Included in this topic is the Louisiana Purchase, Oregon Trail, and Gold Rush. Other interesting topics are covered wagons, survival rate on the trail, and Pony Express.
Physical Geography
Students should learn about the different regions of NC and their defining characteristics. They should also know how natural geography shaped settlement
Industrial Revolution
This is basically technology from the mid 1700’s to mid 1800’s. It includes factory conditions and child labor, railroad lines, and steam power.
Indian Removal Act
Students should learn about the Trail of Tears and how it affected Native Americans throughout the country. Students
should also learn about different tribes, especially the Cherokees and their reservation in NC.
Revolutionary War
This topic should discuss European settler’s desire for independence. The Boston Tea Party and other events leading up to the war are included.
Slavery
It is important for students to know the truth about slavery in the United States. This includes the slave trade and passage over, slave treatment, and how slavery has affected race relations today.
The Constitution and Bill of Rights
Students should learn about the writing and revision process as well as the signers. They should understand the significance of the amendments and how their lives might be different without them.
Vietnam
Students should understand anti-war sentiments, guerilla warfare, and the use of chemicals, such as napalm. Army Corps Nurses and women’s roles during the war are important.
Great Depression
This topic includes the stock market crash and banking crisis. This could also be linked to an understanding of today’s recession and how they are similar and different.
The Civil War
There is so much to be covered in this topic. The Battle of Bentonville, notable leaders, and Reconstruction are just several important details.
Women’s Rights
This topic should also include notable women, such as Betsy Ross, Margaret Sanger, and Dolley Madison. The right to vote should be the main focus. Rosie the Riveter should be discussed.
Space race
Students should not only explore the U.S. space mission, but also the competition between the U.S. and Russia. Notable topics are Neil Armstrong and Sputnik.
Counterculture of the 60’s
The 1960’s brought about lots of changes. There was a push against the mainstream that included sit ins, race riots, free love, and the assassination of JFK.
Civil Rights Movement
Similar to the Counterculture movement, civil rights were challenged in the 50’s and 60’s. Included in this topic is the Little Rock 9, KKK, Brown v. Board, and MLK.
Terrorism
This topic includes 9/11, Osama bin Laden, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Terrorism in other countries could also be explored.
Immigration
Students should understand the significance of Ellis Island, Statue of Liberty, and the idea of the American Dream. Immigration should be explored not only in the past tense, but also immigration issues currently taking place in the U.S.
Farming
Students should know the importance of farming in North Carolina. This includes sharecropping, cash crops, and meat production.
WWI
This topic includes Pearl Harbor and the atomic bomb. Students should know the meaning of “triple entende” and trench warfare.
WWII
Students should understand the conflicts between the Axis and Allies, and U.S. involvement. Adolf Hitler and the holocaust are included in this topic.
New Deal
This topic explores the programs created by FDR to stimulate the post-depression economy. Students should have an understanding of why these programs were created, what they did, and whether similar programs would be useful during the current recession.
Antebellum south
Students should have a picture of the pre-Civil War southern states. This was a time period of peacefulness and comfort for white southerners.
Great Recession
Students should understand the current recession and economic state. This includes unemployment rate, bank loans, and the burst of the housing market bubble.
Cold War
This topic includes fear of Communism, McCarthyism, and the Red Scare. Students should learn about bomb shelters, formation of NATO, and Truman Doctrine.
Cuban Missile Crisis
This was a confrontation between Russia, Cuba, and the U.S. over the threat of nuclear weapons. Bay of Pigs and Monroe Doctrine should also be discussed.
Watergate
This scandal involved a break in at the DNC headquarters. The action revolved around Richard Nixon, who was later resigned over pressure regarding his role.
Revolution in the Middle East
This includes the current situation in Syria and protesters (Time Magazine’s Person of the Year). Arab Spring, Occupy Movement, and the Tea Party are all examples. The role of technology should be discussed and how it moved people and began revolutions.
Western N.C. Folk Life
An example of this would be the Foxfire books that tell about the way of life in backcountry N.C. The forest service and Mount Mitchell could also be discussed.
Mental Health Reform
This revolves around Dorothea Dix. Students should explore the significance of closing the hospital she founded.
Pirates
N.C. pirates are more than just legend. Students should explore the lives of pirates, what goods they were in search of, and notable individuals, such as Blackbeard.
Government
This is such a broad topic, but should include the House of Representatives, Congress, President, and how they share power. Also included is the legislative process and judicial system.
War of 1812
Conflict fought between the U.S. and British Empire due to trade restrictions and impressment. Students should also understand the course of the war and effects from it.
Declaration of Independence
Students should understand the process in which Americans gained independence and those who composed and signed the document. The men who signed should also be explored in order for students to understand their importance in society.
Checks and Balances
This describes the separation of powers in our government. Students should understand the roles of each of the three branches – legislative, executive, and judiciary.
Holocaust
This topic intertwines with WWII. Hitler wanted to create an Aryan race that led to the extermination of countless Jews and disabled individuals.
The Manhattan Project
Students should understand the scientific advancements that made the creation of the bomb possible. Students should also understand the significance and power that it gave the U.S.
BP Oil Spill
Students should understand the environmental and economic effects of the disaster. Included in this are natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes.
1. Sir Walter Raleigh
2. Harriet Tubman
3. Virginia Dare
4. Joyce Kilmer
5. Beverly Perdue
6. Orville and Wilbur Wright
7. Elizabeth Edwards
8. Mohandas Gandhi
9. Edward B. Dudley
10. Edward R Murrow
My ideas came from several sources. First, my memories from my own N.C. history classes, both in middle school and with Dr. Mobley at N.C. State. Second, I put myself in the position of an 8th grader and thought about what historical events I would like to know more about. And lastly, I reflected on important events that I believe have shaped our country into what it is today.
The main themes connecting my topics are conflicts, technological advancements, and events that have shaped groups of people.
For me, I enjoyed making this list and thinking on what I’ll be able to teach next year. I have always enjoyed history and social studies, and that probably affected my process and allowed me to dig deeper and explore more important events and topics.